---
Warden Lutch stepped in front of him. She was angry, wearing gray, and had a key ring that made heavy noises just by existing. She raised one eyebrow. It was a very strong eyebrow.
"Orientation," she said. "Started at the bell. Ended at the bell. You were not on your assigned bench."
Ray tried a smile. "My cousin kept me," he said. "Second year. Family. You know."
The warden's eyebrow did not move. "Family can keep you out of trouble," she said. "It cannot keep you out of a rule."
Ray opened his mouth and then noticed the way everyone was staring at his face. People were not subtle. They were elbowing each other in the ribs and making small choking sounds. A girl put her hand to her mouth to hide a giggle. A boy in a plain coat—the stubborn-jaw one—actually covered his eyes for a second as if second-hand shame hurt him physically.
"What," Ray demanded, trying to sound dangerous. "What are you looking at."
